Music Matters: Jackson Evans makes jazz a couples program in Savannah

Jackson Evans is a happy man. Not only does he get to play music for a living, but he gets to do it alongside his wife, Maggie, a singer and bassist.

“I’m the luckiest musician in the world,” he says. “Working with my wife is a dream. So many musicians struggle because they are away all weekend or dealing with a bored wife who has seen the same show 50 times. I basically get paid to hang out with my wife. That’s awesome. I never have to face the ‘when are you going to get a real job?’ lecture that so many musicians get ... it’s a Rodgers and Hart or Becker and [filtered word]an or Simon and Garfunkel kind of thing.”

Working as a team means they also get to take advantage of unique opportunities, like their upcoming three-month residency at the renowned JZ Club in Hangzhou, China.

“The gig at JZ is a pretty awesome opportunity! Maggie and I subbed there a few times while we were in Hangzhou, and they offered us a three-month residency after they saw what we did. I think the appeal of an organized, cohesive group led by a sexy singer who also plays six string bass was what got them. It would have been impossible to turn down seven nights a week on a real stage, and we will only be expected to do our thing, just do what we do best. I’m pretty psyched about that.”

Their first go-round in Hangzhou was for Maggie’s position as a visiting scholar at the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou while Jackson worked as the musical director for the house band at Friends Jazz Club.

Although they are counting down to this adventure, they also look forward to returning to Savannah in April.

“Savannah is a pretty inspiring place,” he says. “There is no shortage of quirky and creative people. You have to keep up with that. It’s the same idea as ‘keeping up with the Joneses’ except instead of boats, it’s ideas. Then you add in the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Savannah Music Festival, SCAD’s free concert in the park, Benedetto guitars. ... I’ve met most of my heroes in Savannah and sometimes I’ve been able to play music with them.”

One of those heroes, Evans’ friend and local saxophonist Jody Espina, once said to him, “Jazz sucks ... unless it’s great!” That’s why Evans urges people to give jazz a chance.

“There are so many styles of jazz. Try comparing Metallica to the Beatles under the rock umbrella and you’ll get the same result as comparing bebop to smooth jazz. So find what you think is great and stick to it!”

Jackson describes Savannah’s music scene as “adolescent — not meaning that it’s immature but meaning that it’s a work-in-progress. The rock, indie and cover band scene seems to be at a changing of the guard, and it feels to me like we are on the edge of something great. Between destination weddings and Peter Shannon’s stuff, the classical world couldn’t be better.”

Regarding jazz, Evans feels confident that people are embracing it more and more.

“There are people ready to play and venues who want to put it out there. The main thing we are missing is people spending money. Of course there are dedicated fans, and we love them, but we need a broader base to keep the ball rolling. Too many fans only frequent special events. I saw how many people were in Forsyth for the jazz festival ... if you are in a restaurant and think, ‘My dining experience would be better with a little jazz,’ say something, and then leave a big tip.”

“Savannah has been very kind to Maggie and me,” Evans concludes. “There aren’t very many cities where one can make a living as a musician right now. I’d like to thank Savannah for all the support now and when we return in April.”